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The two finest footballers of their era are poised to begin a fresh rivalry — this time in LaLiga2.

Lionel Messi is preparing to widen his football ownership portfolio, with the 39-year-old having agreed to buy Spanish second-division club Eldense.

The Argentine had also bought fifth-division side UE Cornella shortly before the 2026 World Cup. Now Messi is set to acquire a 100% stake in Eldense, a move that will bring him into direct competition with Cristiano Ronaldo.

There is not expected to be any conflict of interest involving Messi’s two clubs, as Eldense and Cornella are separated by three divisions in the Spanish football pyramid. However, Eldense will come up against a club in which Ronaldo holds a stake.

Messi’s Portuguese rival recently purchased a 25% stake in fellow Spanish second-division outfit Almeria, a Saudi-owned club in which Ronaldo was able to buy in partially.

In early August, the 41-year-old watched Almeria defeat his current side Al-Nassr 2-0 in a pre-season friendly. Before long, he will also see them face Eldense.

Following the announcement of Almeria’s new ownership structure, Ronaldo said: "It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch.

"UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth," he added. His club are currently 12th in the LaLiga2 standings.

Eldense are presently in the relegation zone after managing only two points from their opening four matches. At the start of the Spanish second-division campaign, Messi’s prospective new club travelled to Almeria and were beaten 3-0.

If the Argentine completes the purchase of Eldense, his team will meet Ronaldo’s club in matchweek 37 of the LaLiga2 season on May 2, 2027.

That fixture will take place at Eldense’s home ground and could become the first official meeting between clubs owned by Messi and Ronaldo.

The Argentine’s portfolio is not limited to Europe, as he also founded Deportivo LSM alongside former Barcelona and current Inter Milan team-mate Luis Suarez.

The club plays in Uruguay’s fourth tier and currently sits third in the Serie B 2026 table, with 18 points from nine matches.

Even if Ronaldo decides to retire in 2027, his rivalry with Messi may still continue for many years to come.